Chinese Toggle Depicting Dragon & Vine

Dragon curls through twisting vines in an openwork tangle that rewards close attention.

This toggle depicting dragon & vine is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is jade. Toggles originally worn for practical use later became valued gifts and artworks, and the article notes that the netsuke of Japan, a similar counterweight for kimono sashes, originated with Chinese toggles. Cut in several layers, the rounded oval has a sinuous creature winding through pierced branches and leaves. The surface is mostly milky white, with a darker grey patch on the lower left. Raised and pierced work is deep and crisp throughout. It is 1 inches wide, 2 deep and 2.6 high.

Tangled, with great confidence, and pleased about it.